Tuesday, December 1, 2015

It was clear from the opening tip that Kentucky is a different team without sophomore point guard Tyler Ulis, but the No. 1 Wildcats managed to overcome a tough Illinois State team 75-63 Monday night at Rupp Arena.

Ulis, who injured his elbow in Kentucky's win over South Florida, did not play for Kentucky (7-0).

"It was a big difference," Briscoe said of playing with Ulis. "We missed him out there. He's our leader and floor general."

Isaiah Briscoe led Kentucky with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Briscoe had a team-high 3 assists, but also struggled a bit with 5 turnovers. Jamal Murray added 16 points. Marcus Lee came off the bench to provide 13 points and 12 boards.

Kentucky was just 2-for-12 from the three-point line. The Wildcats managed 29-for-46 shooting at the free throw line.

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell led Illinois State (3-5) with 22 points and 6 rebounds. MiKyle McIntosh, who once played for 22 Feet Academy, chipped in 14 points.

The top-ranked Wildcats will not journey to the West coast for a battle against UCLA at historic Pauley Pavilion.